This is the largest pigeon and was a bird of woods until it started to breed in isolated
trees, hedgerows, villages and towns from about 150 years ago. The birds have spread to the far
west of Ireland and are now colonising the islands and in Scotland they had occupied most of
the mainland many years ago but, more recently, are to be found breeding on Orkney, Shetland
and the Western Isles. Many died through toxic chemical poisoning in the 1950s and 1960s but
the population did not suffer noticeably. There is a steady increase in CBC index from a very
strong level. This may be because the birds are able to survive well in winter, grazing growing
crops, and the arrival of autumn sown oilseed rape may be beneficial. Concerted efforts to
reduce population through organised shooting, in February, when the game shooting season has
closed, seem to have no effect. Onwards ever and upward!